The Quiet of Saturday

 

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (Matthew 27:62-66 ESV).

 

After all the things that happened on Good Friday, we come to the final day before Jesus’ resurrection. Saturday was a quiet and somber day for the disciples. All they thought they knew was gone. Even though they had been told on at least three occasions by Jesus that He would be resurrected on the third day, they still had no reference point for understanding or hope. In fear they locked themselves away while grieving the loss of Jesus.

 

I would hope that I could have done differently, though I am sure that I would have found myself in much the same emotional condition. It is that truth which prompts me to remember the means to overcome even the most trying of times. You have heard me talk of “Cathedral.” It is that place that I can find easy access to and always reminds me of the presence of God. For me it is always outdoors. The picture I’ve included today was taken in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park along one of the “quiet walkways” that are placed throughout the park. There are many more challenging trails, however, I’ve never been a hiker. Many years ago, Mary and I would often take one of these trails though. They were always as advertised. They were easy walks, with the serenity of the forest surrounding us. Today I find getting to a spot where I can be surrounded by God’s creation and enveloped in quiet best allows me to hear and experience the presence of God.

 

Saturday of Passion Week should have been a time for the disciples to find that place. We should especially find that place today. We have the advantage of history. We know that Sunday is coming! Whatever you may be experiencing today. Find your “cathedral” and know that Jesus is risen! Through that finished act He gives us eternal life and victory over our greatest enemy… sin and death!